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| 420 | Max Horsepower (HP) | 381 |
| 460 | Max Torque (lb-ft) | 401 |
| 10-speed Automatic | Transmission | 6-speed Automatic |
If you are in the market for a full-size SUV, then you may be interested in comparing the 2020 Chevy Tahoe vs 2020 Toyota Sequoia. These two vehicles are similar in price and size and come with many of the same features. However, there are some noteworthy differences between them. Because while both the Tahoe and the Sequoia are traditional SUVs with rugged body on frame construction, rear-wheel drive, and powerful V8 engines, when the two are thoroughly compared, one comes out on top.
The Tahoe was introduced for 2015 and is a much newer vehicle than the current Sequoia, which dates to 2008. This means that while the Sequoia is still a highly capable SUV, it is definitely beginning to show its age and lacks many modern conveniences and comforts found on the Tahoe. This is particularly true when comparing the engine options on the two SUVs, as the Sequoia combines both less power and has much higher fuel consumption than the Tahoe. Altogether you will likely be served well by either vehicle, but the Tahoe is the more compelling package, and that will be evident throughout the in-depth comparison.
When comparing the powertrains of the 2020 Chevy Tahoe vs the 2020 Toyota Sequoia, you will find many similarities. Both of them are traditional rear-wheel drive vehicles powered by large V8 engines with the option for four-wheel drive. However, behind these surface similarities, there are also some differences. Chief among these is simply the relative ages of the two vehicles’ drivetrains. Being nearly a decade younger than the Sequoia, the Tahoe has access to more modern engines and transmissions that allow it to be more powerful and more efficient than its competitor.
The base engine for the 2020 Tahoe is a 5.3L V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. However, this can be upgraded to a larger 6.2L V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The larger engine also comes with a more advanced ten-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard six-speed automatic. Having the additional gears not only makes for a smoother ride, but it helps increase fuel economy by keeping the engine in its most efficient range. This means that even with the more powerful engine, the combined fuel economy of the Tahoe drops just 1 mile per gallon, from 18 miles per gallon to 17 miles per gallon.
Initially, the Sequoia was also offered with two engines, but as the vehicle aged, its base engine became less competitive, and it was dropped after the 2012 model year. The remaining engine is a 5.7L V8 producing 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, numbers that do not come close to those of the Tahoe's engine. The sole transmission option is a six-speed automatic that is comparable to the base Chevy transmission but is far outshined by the upgraded one. Along with the age of the engine, this simple transmission means that while the Sequoia is a reasonably capable vehicle, it is a rather inefficient one even by V8 standards.
Depending on its configuration, the Sequoia offers a combined fuel economy of just 14 or 15 miles per gallon. This means that even in its most efficient version, the Sequoia is burning roughly 20% more gasoline per mile than the Tahoe. In other words, for every $1.00 it costs to operate the Chevy, the Toyota will need $1.20. Over time that will add up to a significantly higher fuel bill for a noticeably less-powerful vehicle. This only further proves that the Tahoe is a better option than the Sequoia.
When the dimensions of these two SUVs are compared, the Sequoia will come out on top in most categories. Slightly larger on the outside and with more cargo capacity, the Toyota will be a somewhat more versatile vehicle. However, in any comparison of the 2020 Chevy Tahoe vs 2020 Toyota Sequoia, it should be remembered that while the Sequoia is Toyota’s largest SUV, Chevrolet also has the Chevy Suburban.
While Chevy markets them as two different models, the Suburban is mechanically identical to the Tahoe and offers the same features but with far more interior space. So if you do need more capability than a Tahoe can provide, upgrading to the Suburban is a simple solution that retains all the other benefits of the Tahoe. But if the Tahoe does suit your needs, then it offers more modern features with greater comfort and convenience than the Sequoia can provide.
While both the Tahoe and the Sequoia are available with heated and vented front row seats as well as heated second-row seats, only the Tahoe offers the option of a heated steering wheel to keep your hands warm on cold days. One other small comfort detail is that the Tahoe comes with a power-adjustable passenger’s seat standard in every trim, while this feature is only available as part of an optional package for the lower trims of Sequoia. More importantly, the Tahoe offers power-adjustable pedals and steering column with memory settings for both, allowing the vehicle to be tailored to fit multiple drivers and reset at the push of a button. Not only does this enhance driver comfort, but it can also improve safety by making sure the controls are easy to operate.
On top of the power-adjustable pedals, the Tahoe is also the better choice for shorter drivers with its available power-retractable assist steps. Even taller people can find climbing into a tall SUV a chore, but this feature makes it a breeze. Simply open a door, and the steps automatically fold out from the side of the vehicle to help you enter or exit. Finally, while the Sequoia offers a power liftgate that will close at the push of a button, the Tahoe can be equipped with a hands-free liftgate that can be opened simply by waving your foot under the rear bumper. This makes loading the vehicle particularly convenient since you do not need to put down any large item if the liftgate is closed. Seemingly, every step up the Sequoia takes, the Tahoe takes two - making it the better competitor.
Although the infotainment systems in Toyota vehicles have long been lagging behind those of the competition, the Sequoia has recently gained a host of features that makes the comparison between the infotainment systems of the 2020 Chevy Tahoe and the 2020 Toyota Sequoia rather close.
The standard infotainment in both SUVs now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless integration of your smartphone for calls, music, navigation, and more. Further, they both come standard with HD radio and SiriusXM satellite radio for high-quality entertainment wherever you go. However, the Tahoe still has a few aces up its sleeve that the Sequoia has yet to match. The first of these is a larger 8” infotainment screen compared to the 7” screen of the Toyota. This extra screen size helps with everything from having a larger backup camera display to being able to see more of the map when navigating with the infotainment system.
And while both SUVs can be optioned with built-in navigation, the Tahoe offers support for SiriusXM NavTraffic with real-time updates on traffic speed, construction, accidents, and more to help you reach your destination faster. Finally, the Sequoia is only offered with a traditional analog instrument cluster while a reconfigurable 8" diagonal color Driver Information Center is available on the Tahoe along with a Head-Up Display for critical information. Together, these systems reduce distractions and help you keep your eyes on the road, which can play a vital role in traveling safely.
Still, when it comes to their active driver assistance features, the 2020 Tahoe and 2020 Sequoia are rather similar. Both SUVs are available with a wide array of systems, including all the major technologies expected of a modern vehicle. These include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot, and rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist, front and rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. While they may seem intrusive to drivers new to them, together, these technologies provide a safer and more convenient driving experience and can help prevent accidents during momentary lapses in concentration.
The Sequoia does have a bit of an advantage here as its driver assistance features come standard while those of the Tahoe are optional upgrades. However, the Chevy does come standard with support for OnStar. This can provide you with immediate access to emergency services wherever you are, and will even activate automatically in the event of a crash, summoning help even if you cannot do so yourself.
Here at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford, we offer the ultimate stress-free car buying experience. Whether you are interested in one of our new Chevy cars, trucks, or SUVs or want to look over our extensive inventory of used vehicles of every make and model, our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff is here to help you find the best car for your needs. And once you have settled on the model you want, our top-notch finance team will help you find the best terms for your budget. So pay a visit to our dealership and experience the quality customer service that sets Rick Hendrick apart from the rest.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.